Sometimes it can be hard to get outside in winter when the temperatures are dropping and the wind is whipping. But the benefits of getting outside, including lifting your mood, getting vitamin D, and boosting creativity are worth making the effort to get everyone bundled up.
Here are some fun events that are happening in our area to help you get your family outside this winter.
NOTE: Events are subject to change or cancellation due to weather. Please check the Frostival website or Facebook page for the most accurate information.
Frostival 2025
Days: January 31st – February 8th, 2025
Location: Various locations throughout the Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo area
Most events are free, but a few events that require pre-registration may have a fee.
Frostival provides winter fun for the whole family! Below is a list for some of the offerings at this year’s Frostival. For a complete listing of all activities, please see the full schedule of events.
Frostival Events by Date
Golden Puck Pond Classic
Days: January 31st – February 1st
Location: Essentia Health Plaza at the Lights, 3150 Sheyenne St. West Fargo
Come out to the Lights and enjoy the second annual Golden Light Pond Hockey Classic! The games will be a 3 game guaranteed round robin format. Enjoy as a fan or register as a team here for $550 per team.
Frostival Kick Off Party
Days: January 31st, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: Lindenwood Park, 1905 Roger Maris Dr., Fargo
Bring your friends, family and skates to take a spin on the ice rink, gather around a cozy camp fire, enjoy music from one of Fargo-Moorhead’s hottest bands, Heart&Soul, sip on drinks from local breweries, and kick off winter with a night full of energy and excitement.
Freez’n for a Reason
Days: January 31st – February 2nd, 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Location: Moorhead American Legion, 303 30th St. N, Moorhead
Camp outside for two evenings to raise awareness of Veteran Suicide. Raise money for Veterans programs and the Golden Drive for Homeless Kids. Make a free-will donation on February 2nd for breakfast.
Winter Birding Festival
Days: February 1st, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Forest River Park, 224-498 Forest River Dr., Fargo
Enjoy this fun and educational event to learn about the many over-wintering birds in the Fargo-Moorhead community! The Fargo Park District and Audubon Great Plains are hosting The Winter Birding Festival at Forest River Park. This free birding event is for all skill levels. Hot cocoa is provided. Don’t forget to bring a pair of binoculars. A limited number is provided.
Silver Snowflake Search
Days: February 1st – February 8th, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Rustad Recreation Center, 601 26th Ave E, West Fargo
Embark on a frosty adventure in West Fargo and join the hunt for the Frostival Silver Snowflakes! Five dazzling snowflakes are hidden throughout the city, and finding one could win you one of five extravagant prize packages! This annual scavenger hunt is the perfect winter outing for the whole family and a great way to explore West Fargo parks and businesses! Check the Rustad Recreation Center info center or wfparks.org by 9:30 AM each day for your next clue! All winners will be featured on the West Fargo Park District social media pages and may not be anonymous.
Cardboard Sled Races
Days: February 1st, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Mickelson Sledding Hill, 901 Oak St. N, Fargo
Gather your supplies and test your hand at creating an amazing cardboard sled. Time to flex both your recycling and sled racing muscles in a contest for the most creative sled. Registration begins at 10:30 am in the warming house with races starting at 11:00 am. Pre-registration is not required for this free event.
Frozen Fortress
Days: February 1st, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Viking Ship Park, 202 1st Ave. N, Moorhead
Explore expertly crafted snow sculptures, bring your skates to glide around the rink, or challenge your friends to a game of Gaga ball. Warm up with hot chocolate, roast marshmallows, or enjoy a hot dog by the fire. For those looking for unique experiences, check out beer poking and craft brews from Swing Barrel Brewing Co. Enjoy music provided by a DJ, face-painting for the kids, and a variety of activities designed to bring joy and energy to the winter season. Free activities include an interpretive hike hosted by River Keepers, access to a sledding hill, and complimentary cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals. In addition, the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County is offering free museum entry, making it the perfect time to explore local history.
Junkyard West Winter Dash 5k
Days: February 1st, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Junkyard Brewing, 409 Sheyenne St., West Fargo
Join in for the first annual Junkyard West Winter Dash 5K; a fun run/walk brought to you by Junkyard Brewing, Every Runday, and SoleMOTION Race Management! Embrace the winter season and participate in this exciting event, open to runners and walkers alike. Register here; cost is $37-$42 depending on when you register
Winter Warm Up at the Rourke
Days: February 1st, 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: The Rourke Art Gallery + Museum, 521 Main Ave., Moorhead
The Rourke will welcome the public to enjoy a complimentary hot cocoa bar, outdoor fire pits in the M. Dorian Clemedtson Memorial Sculpture Court, and a market for handmade mugs and winter weather accessories in the Main Gallery.
Fun in the Frost
Days: February 1st, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Maplewood Park, 1504 17th Ave E, West Fargo
Bundle up for an epic day of free winter fun that the whole family will love! Glide across the ice, compete in a snowman-building contest, race down the sledding hill, and cozy up by the fire with s’mores and hot chocolate. Plus, enjoy winter-themed crafts and other surprises! Whether you are skating, building, or snacking, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this magical outdoor winter wonderland!
Adult Snowball Fight
Days: February 1st, 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Location: Wild Terra, 6 12th St. N, Fargo
If you’re looking for a fun date night or kid-free outing with friends, an adult snowball fight may be just the thing! Participants strategize their snowball-making, ducking behind trees or snowdrifts for cover, all while exchanging playful banter. The atmosphere is charged with excitement as teams form, alliances shift, and the friendly rivalry intensifies. Embrace the sheer delight of being outside in the winter, reminding everyone that fun knows no age limit.
Frostival Coloring Contest
Days: February 1st – February 8th, 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Location: Rustad Recreation Center, 601 26th Ave E, West Fargo
Calling all kids ages 12 and under! Join the Frostival Coloring Contest, where creativity can melt the winter blues away! A special winter-themed coloring page will be provided for you to bring to life with your crayons, markers, or colored pencils and show off your skills. All participants entered in the contest with first name and last initial will be put into a drawing for a chance to win a sled! Coloring pages will be available for pick-up at Rustad Recreation Center, West Fargo Fire Departments, and West Fargo Police Department beginning on Saturday, February 1. On that date, a link will also be posted on the wfparks.org Frostival Events page if you would like to print yours off at home. Entries will be accepted at Rustad from Saturday, February 1st to Saturday, February 8th.
Winter Trail Days
Days: February 2nd, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Viking Ship Park, 202 1st Ave. N, Moorhead
Join the North Country Trail Association and the Dakota Prairie Chapter for a free day of XC skiing and Snowshoeing on the trails at Viking Park. Free instruction and rental equipment will be provided. Warm beverages, treats, and North Country Trail information will be available inside the Hjemkomst Center.
S’Mores and More
Days: February 3rd, 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Roosevelt Park, 1229 9th St. N, Fargo
At this family fun event, cook your own S’mores, drink hot chocolate, listen to music, and bring your own skates to skate on an outdoor rink! The rink and warming house are available to use during the event.
Powder Putt
Days: February 7th, 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Lindenwood Park, 1905 Roger Maris Dr., Fargo
Are you ready for a unique miniature golf experience? Step into a winter wonderland as this course transforms into a snowy paradise with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and frosty obstacles.
Youth Pond Hockey
Days: February 8th, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Lindenwood Park, 1905 Roger Maris Dr., Fargo
Watch your kids hit the ice and revel in the joy of hockey the old-fashioned way, out in the crisp, open air! Each team plays three games in this jamboree-style event, with two 10-minute halves. Divisions are tailored for every skill level, with 10U, 8U, and 6U (All divisions are coed). Teams can roster up to 8 players, but squads of 6 are recommended for maximum fun! Every registered player gets a cool beanie to rock on the ice. Register here, cost is $126/team of up to 8 players. And when you’re not cheering on your team, head over to our cozy warming tent for snacks, drinks, and a chance to toast some marshmallows on our outdoor fire pits.
Polar Paddle Outdoor Battle
Days: February 8th, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Riversbend Park, 2548 1st St. E, West Fargo
Register at wfparks.org by January 24th to participate in the first-ever Polar Paddle Outdoor Battle! This icy tournament promises to blend the excitement of pickleball with the invigorating chill of winter, creating a unique and frosty sporting experience. The tournament will follow a round-robin style format with rotating partners, ensuring everyone gets ample playtime and a variety of match-ups. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, the Polar Paddle Outdoor Battle is designed to be fun and engaging for all skill levels.
Coffee and Cocoa Crawl
Days: February 8th, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Downtown Fargo
Bundle up the kids and grab your friends for a day of sipping and shopping! Admission includes a local, hand-made clay mug and coffee, cocoa, and tea samples at 20+ locations in Downtown Fargo. Tickets are $25 early bird, $30 regular fee and $35 on day of event.
Hygge Day
Days: February 8th, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Brewhalla, 1702 1st Ave N, Fargo
Spend the day perusing all that Brewhalla has to offer on this celebration of all things hygge!
Snow Golf
Days: February 8th, 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Riversbend Park, 2548 1st St. E, West Fargo
This North of Normal twist on a summer favorite welcomes everyone; family, friends, and golfers of all skill levels! Navigate a 9-hole course with your trusty golf clubs, aiming for a hole-in-one using a tennis ball. Compete in a traditional golf tournament format with a shotgun start and Scramble play. Teams are $40 and should consist of 4 golfers with any additional golfers costing $10 per person. Pay onsite for any additional golfers, with a maximum of 6 golfers per team. Pre-registration is recommended but not required.
More Outdoor Activities
For more ideas on winter fun, see our Guide to Winter Activities in Fargo!
